I've been looking into getting a drum machine rather than a software sampler for black metal demos. I have used many sequencing programs but I am more interested in a hardware application I can use with my four track. Usually the way I've been recording demos is to have an idea for riffs first, record drums, then record guitars and vocals. I'd rather be able to play along with something I can program in five minutes just to get ideas. Can anyone recommend a good sampling drum machine or a classic, widely used drum machine for black metal?

My (at least) 13-year old Alesis SR16 has memory problems, in fact I lose everything that I just recorded on it as soon as I put it off. I'd be curious to know if this drum machine can work efficiently on the long run.

I can confirm it's a good drum machine. You can program your own drumset, edit the elements' volume separately, and even record ternary patterns.

Anyone know which one Mortician used/uses? It has a very distinct sound

I had one of those, the Alesis beats it in just about every way. Especially for metal.

Fair enough, the band that used the Boss to great effect was more of a noise/punk band.

Question for those that use drum machines live: is there some kind of foot control you use to stop/start or is it a matter of careful timing? For an example, see this clip of Big Black live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_gfuN_Llqs

Crimson Moon had a foot switch to start the new tracks when I saw them in 2006. You can kinda tell the bass player steps on it at 1:36. I watched them do it (The head directly to the left of the band's logo is mine).